Enlivening Ayurveda
Weekend Retreat
An immersive nature getaway for tranquillity and rejuvenation, utilising the wisdom of Ayurveda to guide you towards holistic well-being.
6–8 September 2024, Yarra Valley Victoria
Slow down and reconnect with us
Against the backdrop of a secluded rainforest in the Yarra Valley, this retreat is an invitation to settle into slow, mindful living as we explore the wisdom of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation.
Together we’ll spend our days practising yoga, meditating, cooking and sharing delicious food, discussing Ayurvedic philosophy while enjoying the pristine nature that surrounds us.
This retreat offers a taste of how nurturing, healing and transformational Ayurveda can be, with plenty of practical knowledge so you can continue integrating this natural science and feeling its effects long after the weekend has finished.
You do not need any prior experience with yoga or meditation to join this retreat and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Your home for the weekend
Amarant Retreat is an architectural treasure perched on Mt Ben Cairn amidst 25 acres of pristine rainforest in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Built to feel like a treehouse, it takes advantage of the panoramic views down the valley while being at one with nature. You’ll be nestled in amongst secluded forest with many walking paths, gardens, abundant wildlife, picnic areas and a beautiful spring from which we can collect pure water.
We’ll gather together around the long dining table for meals and good conversation. For our daily practices, we’ll retreat to a spacious meditation room with beautiful views of the nature that surrounds us. In quiet moments, you’ll be able to curl up in front of one of the fireplaces or connect with your new retreat friends while out exploring the grounds.
With cosy fireplaces and phenomenal views across the Valley, Amarant retreat will be a sanctuary in which you can enjoy a little time out, while we take care of everything else.
Nourishing food to warm your belly & inspire your home-cooking
Every bite of delicious food on this retreat is intended to support your digestion, while delighting the senses and re-inspiring what it means to eat well.
All meals will be freshly prepared in accordance with Ayurvedic principles, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and food that satisfies without compromising agni, or digestive fire.
Our menu for the weekend has been carefully curated to ensure you are nourished from breakfast to dinner right through to a sweet night cap before bed. The highlight of our culinary journey will be the long, sumptuous Saturday lunch, prepared as a group as we explore Ayurvedic cooking and enjoyed leisurely.
Shared around the big communal dining table, we’ll celebrate food as medicine and enjoy the healing power of a thoughtfully prepared meal eaten with mindfulness and shared with love.
A glimpse into our time together
Friday afternoon & evening
Arrival and settling in time
Introductions and intention setting, followed by group meditation
Nourishing dinner
Ayurvedic workshop on practices to promote sleep
Saturday
Morning yoga class followed by group meditation
Breakfast and free time
Ayurvedic nutrition workshop followed by hands on cooking workshop led by Ayurvedic practitioner and chef Phillipa Joy.
Long, leisurely communal lunch with an abundant full-table spread
Free time or silent forest walk meditation
Light dinner and informal workshop under the stars around the fire (weather permitting)
Sunday
Morning yoga class followed by group meditation
Breakfast and relaxation time
Workshop on practical ways to integrate Ayurveda into daily life
Chai and cake
12:30pm finish
Note: this itinerary is a guide and may be altered slightly.
Your hosts for the weekend
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Phillipa is a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner from the Australasian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies (AIAS), Cert IV 2013, Adv Dip 2021. She has 300hrs of Raja and Hatha Yoga studies with Satyananda Yoga and is currently working towards her teaching certificate with Siddha Yoga.
A chef and event coordinator by trade, Phillipa is passionate about educating people on how to grow and use food as medicine and why it is important to eat locally grown and seasonal food – with mindfulness – in order to maintain good health, prevent disease and support sustainable systems for our planet.
Currently working from her home studio and organic garden in Coburg, Phillipa offers Ayurvedic therapeutic treatments, holistic health consultations, group and private cooking tuition and various workshops on wellness.
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Emily is a Vedic meditation teacher and Ayurveda practitioner. After 10 years of personal study, she completed her Diploma in Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation in 2023 under the guidance of Australia’s foremost Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Ajit Singh.
Emily is passionate about holistic practices and ancient wisdom and how they can support us in naturally reclaiming our own health so we can live life from the inside out – with purpose, fulfillment and radiance.
She’s devoted to uncomplicating meditation and Ayurveda and empowering people with the tools, knowledge and support to make it a joyful, nourishing and sustainable way of life. She offers Vedic meditation courses, Ayurvedic treatments and health consultations from her home clinic in Preston, and also travels regularly to Adelaide.
Rooms, investment & inclusions
2 nights accommodation with access to the entire forest property for solo adventures, stillness, contemplation and integration
All meals, drinks and snacks
Daily Ayurvedic theory workshops and activities
Ayurvedic cooking workshop
Gift bag to support your Ayurvedic practice once you return home
Note: transport to and from the retreat is not included.
Room one: Luxury private king room
A luxury king room with adjacent private bathroom for single occupant, a couple or twin share
$1350 single or $2050 couple/twin share
SOLD OUT
Room two: Luxury private king room
A luxury king room with private ensuite for singles, couples or twin share
$1350 single or $2050 couple/twin share
SOLD OUT
Room three: shared triple room
Spacious shared room with king single beds and full ensuite with two basins and tea making facilities
$950 per person
Room four: shared triple room
Spacious shared room king single beds and separate bathroom (shared with private queen room)
$900 per person
SOLD OUT
Room five: Private queen room
Queen room with shared bathroom (shared with room four) for single occupant
$1150 single
SOLD OUT
Payment terms
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. Full payment must be made before the retreat begins. Flexible, manageable payment plans are available using GoCardless. Please note all payment plans incur a small processing fee. Please request a payment plan when booking.
